Web and Videoconferencing
Web and Video Conferencing at Ithaca College
Digital Media Services can assist you with the identification of an appropriate tool to conduct remote meetings, presentations and receive remote presentations such as guest lecturers. Please note that video conferencing services are available for official Ithaca College business. We do not provide video conferencing services or support to the public.
A web video conference is a synchronous event in which the involved parties are communicating in real time across the Internet. Communication may be in the form of chat, audio, video or shared documents and resources.
Adobe Connect Pro
Adobe Connect Pro is a web-based, multi-party conferencing and collaborative software solution. Users connect to a centralized interface via a web browser. A web link is distributed to participants by the meeting host. Meetings are initially set-up by requesting a session from Digital Media Services. Capabilities include chat, shared virtual whiteboard, document and link sharing, desktop sharing, low-bandwidth video and audio (no more than three video parties recommended), up to 25 participants per session, polls and PowerPoint sharing and navigation.
To request a demo or to have a session set-up, please e-mail dms@ithaca.edu.
PolyCom (IP CODEC)
The college maintains a dedicated IP-based PolyCom codec for one to one video conferencing with other compatible devices. Our PolyCom unit provides good video and audio transmission quality. All implementations require a test call to verify compatibility. We no longer support ISDN calls. For more information e-mail dms@ithaca.edu.
Skype
Skype provides free audio conferencing between multiple parties and free video conferencing between two parties. Skype Premium, a pay service, provides multiparty video conferencing for up to ten participants. To access Skype, visit skype.com and download the Skype client for your platform. You will need to set up a free account to access Skype.
Definitions
Peer to Peer conferencing involves connecting one active participant to another active participant. We differentiate peer to peer conferencing from a typical phone conference or chat session by the inclusion of an interface that allows interactive communication beyond speech or chat. This may or may not include synchronous document sharing, video, audio, screen sharing and other collaborative tools.
Site to site conferencing involves the presentation by an individual or group from one site to another. Traditionally, this scenario is used to facilitate the inclusion of a remote guest speaker into a classroom. This method is differentiated from peer to peer by the connection application and the inclusion of multiple active participants. Currently, we host these web conferences using Adobe Connect Pro. Meetings can be set-up by e-mailing dms@ithaca.edu. A connection test prior to the meeting is required.
Many to many conferencing is similar to one to many but may involve multiple presenters at multiple sites. This type of conference requires significant planning including the preparation of a conference agenda. Meetings can be set-up by e-mailing dms@ithaca.edu. A connection test prior to the meeting is required.
